The Accusers

Years ago I had a dream. In front of me there was a high bluff and under it was a shoreline that lead to the promised land. The sea was beautiful. I am standing ready to go in the land, however, I looked back. Then I turned around and returned in order to get everyone else to come with me.

There is a river in front of me and on the other side of it is the path that leads back to "everyone else". The river is deep and I see what looks like a rock. I step on it and get to the other side. Unfortunately it was not a rock and I watch in amazement as it turns into a huge dinosaur that is walking on two legs. It has shiny, colorful, scale-like shields that are flapping up and down angerly as he stomps around roaring. I realize how powerful he is and I can only stare. Then someone comes down from a mountain and leads me up a windy path to the top of the mountain. There we look back to watch and marvel at the angry beast. End of dream.

Sometimes when we try to do what is right, we do wake up the beast. It is Satan that poisons the truth with vicious lies and tries to destroy the children of God. But, we do have a Savior, our Shepherd and King--Jesus Christ, the true Son of God. He leads us through the valleys and over the mountains and with His mighty Hand protects us. Let us, too, not be the accusers of good men. God help us all.

James 3:7-9 (New King James Version) 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. 8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God.

Sunny California

One more day and I will be taking the grandkids home to California and will then be staying down there for awhile.

I am looking forward to walks on the beaches and picking seashells with the kids! Basking in the hot sun and watching the sun set on the ocean. We will have a basket of cool drinks, treats and lots of books to read! Life is good

How We Teach Our Children

There are so many things I could have taught my children, but didn't. There are so many things I could have done with the family, but didn't. Who knows how things would turn out if we could get the chance to relive the past, knowing what we know. In spite of all my shortcomings, the children grew up and became adults, of whom I am very proud. We can't always be there for our children, but when your trust is in the Lord, you know He will open doors for them and all will be all right.

I reminiscence about the years when my family was young, and realize that if by some chance I got the opportunity to change only one thing....it would be that I would do everything with kindness. What loss is it to us to be kind when we speak with our children, to be kind when we discipline our children, ----to be kind in all matters! It is not a show of weakness, but strength. Through kindness the truth of the matter is revealed. If I teach my children anything, I hope they learn of kindess, without it they will never truly know love.

1 Corinthians 13:4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;

It was God who loved us first and He has never stopped loving us. It was God who first showed us kindness, and He continues to do so. His kindess is a delight and with it He measures our footsteps that we should not stumble. When in our rebellion, we sinned greatly, yet He showed us mercy, and opened doors that we may return to Him. Until you take the walk of faith and follow Him, you will never find true happiness that brings peace and contentment.

Titus 3:3 For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,